In-depth Analysis of the Russian Series 'Chewing Gum'

A Comprehensive Review of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That's Tough to Understand and Appreciate

On October 16, a new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum" made its debut on the streaming platform Premier. Directed by Alexander Tsoy, this eight-part teen drama invites viewers to delve deep into the tumultuous world of adolescent struggles, shattered illusions, and intricate relationships.

Key Information About the Series

• Genre: Drama, Youth Film
• Director: Alexander Tsoy
• Number of Episodes: 8
• Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 Minutes
• Production: Russia
• Age Rating: 18+

"Chewing Gum" narrates the complexities of teenage life characterized by dreams, conflicts, and reckless choices that often lead to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Overview

The protagonist of the series, Galya Shalamova, is a girl from an orphanage yearning to enroll in the scriptwriting program at VGIK. She eagerly anticipates her long-awaited freedom from the dreary confines of the orphanage. Her life takes an unexpected turn after she watches a live stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Schmyuze, who is known for his provocative statements crafted to gain online popularity. Galya is convinced that she and Hans share a deep, soulful connection.

After a chance encounter between the two leads to a budding romance, the situation swiftly deteriorates. What for Galya is her first taste of love becomes a fleeting fling for Hans, who soon finds himself disillusioned and decides to break things off in an utterly absurd manner: he instructs his friends to convince Galya that he has been killed.

Refusing to accept this heartbreak, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans's alleged death, driven by a need to uncover the truth and seek out those she deems responsible.

Character Profiles

Galya Shalamova (Played by Darya Balabanova)
Galya is a naive orphan whose inner world has been profoundly shaped by her challenging circumstances. Dreaming of becoming a scriptwriter, she is haunted by her past, including a mother recently released from prison and an abusive boyfriend from whom she finds it hard to escape.

Hans Schmyuze (Played by Anton Rogachev)
Hans is a blogger with 5,000 followers, willing to engage in the most ridiculous antics to gain likes and attention. A quintessential representative of the privileged youth, Hans’s father is a producer, and he often finds himself neglected by his busy parents, alongside having a seriously ill younger sister.

Kirill (Played by Anton Artemyev)
Galya’s rough and unpredictable boyfriend, whose solutions to problems often resort to violence. Kirill engages in criminal activities and dreams of a lavish life abroad.

Misha Yelchev (Played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans’s friend who stands out in the group for his more humane approach to Galya, offering her some respite amidst the chaos.

Vera (Played by Marusya Furina)
Another of Hans’s friends, Vera harbors feelings for him but understands that she should not expect a serious relationship from him.

Impressions of the Series

Story and Genre

The storyline blends teen drama with an ironic commentary on contemporary society. It explores themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstandings, and seemingly pointless decisions. The characters come across as juvenile and often illogical, underscoring their youth and inexperience.

As the story unfolds, it tends to plod along, sometimes failing to engage the viewer. Although the first episode sets a brisk pace, the subsequent episodes lose momentum.

Characters and Atmosphere

One of the primary issues with the series is its character portrayals. Not a single character inspires audience sympathy. Galya’s naivety seems overly pronounced, while Hans' cynicism is striking. Other characters either appear cartoonish or fade into the background as secondary figures, which diminishes their impact on the narrative.

Acting Performances

Despite the lackluster script, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known for their work in other projects, provide reasonably compelling portrayals, lending some depth to their characters.

Visual Presentation

On a positive note, the series boasts striking visuals. The cinematography captures the ambiance of the scenes effectively, with diverse locations ranging from shopping malls and apartments to city streets and derelict buildings.

Closure

"Chewing Gum" is a project likely to capture the interest of a teen audience, although it may struggle to resonate with older viewers. The simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques render this series somewhat controversial. If you enjoy light dramas that revolve around simple conflicts, this might just be up your alley. However, for those in search of deeper, more engrossing narratives, "Chewing Gum" may not deliver the revelations you seek.

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. There are too many shortcomings to justify spending your time watching it.